We love a good roadtrip and when the radar showed all rain all day, what a great chance to stay (somewhat) dry and venture out to the far reaches of Okinawa.
In planning our vaca, we rented a car for this portion, knowing it would grant access to beautiful scenery beyond the city. Stocked up on snacks (roadtrip necessity #1) and a rough plan to look for beautiful things, we were ready to head out.
In planning our vaca, we rented a car for this portion, knowing it would grant access to beautiful scenery beyond the city. Stocked up on snacks (roadtrip necessity #1) and a rough plan to look for beautiful things, we were ready to head out.
After failing to get good coffee (our fault for not realizing they were closed on Mondays) we wove our way through town heading for Yagaji & Kouri Islands. We knew we were heading in the right direction when we ended up being a big tour bus.
For once grateful that Google Maps sent us down a tiny road in between fields as we sped our way through the shortcut to end up leading the great big tour bus.
Over long bridges skirting over turquoise waters, creeping up narrow mountain roads, weaving and wandering our way through terraced fields. Choosing to remain on paved road instead of the Google recommended teeny tiny gravel roads in torrential rain #goodlifechoices. Carefully navigating the slippery and muddy trail that opened to an amazing view!
For once grateful that Google Maps sent us down a tiny road in between fields as we sped our way through the shortcut to end up leading the great big tour bus.
Over long bridges skirting over turquoise waters, creeping up narrow mountain roads, weaving and wandering our way through terraced fields. Choosing to remain on paved road instead of the Google recommended teeny tiny gravel roads in torrential rain #goodlifechoices. Carefully navigating the slippery and muddy trail that opened to an amazing view!
The Heart Rocks. This area of the East China Sea is filled with tiny (and not so tiny) outcroppings. Just me and a couple kiddos crazy enough to dip our toes in the frigid waves!
Lunch from a vending machine! More precisely, ordered from a vending machine that gave us a ticket. Exchanging the ticket for homemade goodies from the grandma at the roadside restaurant. So so tasty.
And then onto Cape Hedo. The northernmost tip of Okinawa. Stunning cliffs overlooking the dramatic waves.
The East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean colliding in this place. Booms and thunderous claps with each set of waves that carve these amazing cliffs.
We'd been told that Okinawa is a tropical Paradise, much like Hawaii. Driving on roads carved into the seaside cliffs, scampering through ancient lava fields, astonishing ferns, palm trees and other lush vegetation, this definitely feels familiar. Tropical vacations are the best vacations.
A rainy day well spent